3 Prepared for the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry by the Chelsea Group, Ltd. One Pierce Place Suite 475E Itasca, IL Phone: (630) or (800) Fax: (630) Web Site: with contributions from American Subcontractors Association Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP M OLD: CAUSE, EFFECT AND RESPONSE 2002 Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by The Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, 803 West Broad Street, Suite 600, Falls Church, Virginia, (703) Foundation Research Series Price: $10.00 March 2002

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5 Contents Table of Contents Preface...5 Introduction...7 Section 1. Who, What, Where, When, Why of Mold...9 Mold Growth and Health Effects: It s Not That Simple...9 Overview of Mold in Construction...10 Mold, Mildew, Fungi What s The Difference?...13 Different Types of Indoor Molds...13 Are Molds Really Toxic?...15 Section 2. How to Tell If a Mold Problem Exists...19 Finding a Qualified Expert...19 What the Expert Will Do to Assess the Problem...20 Testing Criteria and Results...23 Section 3. How to Get Rid of Mold Once It s Found...25 Cleaning, Removing Building Materials...26 Specific Personal Protection and Containment Guidelines...27 Verifying Successful Remediation...28 Section 4. How to Keep Mold from Growing...29 Eliminate Sources of Moisture...29 Select Materials and Finishes to Prevent Mold...32 Build It Right in the First Place Resilient Buildings...33 Section 5. Risk Management and Insurance...35 Liability...35 Assignment...35 Insurance Coverage...36 Appendix. List of Guidelines and Resources for Assessment and Remediation of Fungal Contamination...39 References...41 Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 5 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

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7 Preface Preface Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry In the late 1970s, there was a clear recognition among industry leaders for the need to unite and expand the educational and research activities available to contractors, manufacturers, distributors and the public, in general. At the time, there were many issues facing the industry from a national energy crisis to injuries in the workplace, to unsafe buildings occupied by the public. In response to these issues, the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry was formed in 1977 with the following mission statement as an IRS designated non-profit 501(c)3 corporation to pursue educational and research activities benefiting the industry and the public at-large: The Foundation s mission is to be an active, unbiased source of information and education to support the wall and ceiling industry. To fulfill this mission, the Foundation owns and maintains the largest independent library serving the wall and ceiling industry, provides educational scholarships for those pursuing careers in engineering, construction and design, provides research support to industry inquiries and publishes research papers. This paper offers a review of a variety of scientific, technical and medical resources to answer questions and to educate readers about the complex and often controversial issues surrounding mold growth in buildings. This paper is intended for the construction industry, including manufacturers, contractors and building owners and managers. It is not intended to provide design guidance or to serve as a training manual for mold assessment and remediation. The goal is to provide readers with an understanding of the state of the science so they can be better equipped to prevent mold problems, handle mold complaints when they do occur, and practice good risk management. To obtain additional copies of this research paper or to learn more about the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, please contact The Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry 803 West Broad Street, Suite 600 Falls Church, Virginia Phone: (703) Fax: (703) Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 7 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

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9 Introduction Introduction Toxic Molds Threaten Dream Houses Mold Plagues School Haunted by Mold Families Blame Mold for Making Them Sick, Forcing Them from Their Homes Mold Removal Costs Soar; Health Fears Spur Buildings Cleanup The New Asbestos? Household Mold May Promote Asthma, Colds A Growing Problem: Toxic Mold Is Eating Away at Homes and Homeowners Insurers Profits Is Your Office Killing You? Jury Returns $32 Million Judgment in Mold Case Are Toxic Molds Miving You Headaches, Asthma or Worse? These recent news headlines reflect an increasing interest and concern about how mold affects indoor environments and building occupants. While mold is nothing new, its prolific growth in some buildings and fears of adverse health effects are a more recent development. Are these concerns justified? Who is at most risk for having health problems as a result of mold? What molds are considered toxic molds? Are all molds toxic? Where and when does mold grow in buildings, and why does it seem there is more mold growing in buildings today as compared with 20 or 30 years ago? What can be done to clean up mold, prevent it from coming back and reduce liability in case of mold infestation? Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 9 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

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11 Who, What, Where, When, Why of Mold Section 1 The first step in answering the questions posed in the Introduction is to realize that mold growth in buildings and its relation to health effects is not as simple as is presented in news reports and litigation. It also requires looking at why mold is becoming a more prevalent problem in buildings, where mold grows and why, and what is it about mold that has prompted so many concerns. Mold Growth and Health Effects: It s Not That Simple By and large, news reports and litigation tend to treat problems associated with mold as a three-step process: 1. Water and/or moisture get(s) into or occur(s) in a building. 2. Mold grows. 3. People get sick. This is an over-simplified approach. The actual process is more complicated and has variables that are not yet well understood: 1. Water and/or moisture get(s) into or occur(s) in a building. 2. Building component(s) and substrate(s) can be affected to more or lesser degrees. 3. Mold may or may not grow. Whether mold grows and which species may grow depends on several factors, such as whether the moisture dries, lingers or if there is repeated water damage; the amount of water content or activity in or on the surface of the substrate(s) for long enough to support mold growth; and the nutrition source available in or on the surface of the substrate. Some mold species such as Stachybotrys chartarum, for example, will grow on carpet backings and materials containing cellulose, including gypsum wallboard, whereas Wallemia sp. grows primarily on textiles, and Phoma sp., another common mold found indoors, grows on painted walls. 4. Exposure to mold and health effects. The state of the science in this area is incomplete, and exposure standards for molds and mycotoxins as yet do not exist. As a result, the topic of health effects associated with mold is controversial. A byproduct of this controversy is news reports and litigation that often make assumptions about mold exposure and health effects that are not supported in the medical and scientific literature. The medical and scientific literature does support the following positions: If mold grows, there is no direct evidence as yet that building occupants will automatically be exposed at sufficient levels to cause health effects. Just because mold is visible or there is invisible mold growth does not mean that allergens, irritants, Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 11 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

12 Section 1 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other potentially toxigenic components, such as mycotoxins that can produce adverse health symptoms, are being produced. Not all people are susceptible to developing adverse health reactions or to the same degree. It is quite possible that purported health effects are not attributable to mold exposure, or may be attributable only in extreme cases. Overview of Mold in Construction Buildings are dynamic environments, affected by geographic location; climate; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system design and operation; types of building materials used in construction and finishing; moisture intrusion; pest colonization; and human activities. In order to grow, mold needs a nutrient source, appropriate temperature and moisture. The following discussion takes a closer look at these elements and their relationship to supporting mold growth, including an in-depth consideration of the role of moisture. Throughout this discussion and this paper, the terms mold and fungi are used interchangeably. Nutrient Sources. There are numerous sources in today s buildings to satisfy the nutritional needs of fungi, including materials containing cellulose, such as gypsum wallboard, wood paneling, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), pre-cast panels and ceiling tiles; fabrics and carpets; upholstered furniture; fiberglass-lined air ducts; and other porous materials where fungi break down the material itself or use organic debris that has collected. Some traditional construction and finishing materials contain natural chemicals that retard biodeterioration; for example, the heartwood of some tree species contains terpenes and other substances that inhibit fungi growth. Man-made products such as ceiing tiles, fabrics, carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, fiberglass insulation, gypsum wallboard covered in paper with cellulose and pressed wood products with added binders and resins are susceptible to mold growth as they lack natural antimicrobials and provide a nutrient source. 1 Temperature. Buildings are typically maintained at a temperature of 65 degrees F to 75 degrees F (18 degrees C to 24 degrees C), which is hospitable to many molds, some of which can survive at temperatures below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) or above 122 degrees F (50 degrees C). At relatively low temperatures (50 degrees F to 60 degrees F), spores take longer to germinate, and growth is slower. Moisture. For mold to grow in buildings requires sufficient moisture for a long enough period of time. There are primarily three factors that influence the amount of moisture available for mold growth: 1. Building tightness, which does not allow moisture to escape to the outside. 2. Liquid water infiltration from outside as a result of a leaky building envelope or structural failure. 3. Moisture condensation on mold susceptible substrates, which originates from water vapor inside or outside the building. Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 12 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

13 Section 1 The following is a more detailed discussion of these factors and why they contribute to high moisture levels in buildings. Building Tightness. By and large, buildings are built much tighter than their counterparts in the first half of the 20th century. A typical building today is almost twice as tight as those built a few decades ago. This increase in tightness can be attributed to an introduction of new materials and production techniques, thermal insulation and elimination of active chimneys in residential construction, and the advent of mechanical HVAC systems. 3 In response to the energy crises in the 1970s, tightening up buildings to save energy became the mantra of all commercial, institutional and residential building construction. Efforts to save energy have been successful. While the number of commercial buildings and the amount of commercial floor space has increased since 1979, total energy consumption has remained flat. 4 One significant unanticipated byproduct of these efforts, however, is increased moisture levels, in terms of relative humidity in interior spaces and moisture content and water activity in building materials. As buildings became tighter, the amount of air exchanged between the interior conditioned space and outdoors diminished, resulting in significantly less dilution of moisture and indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide. This trend occurred concurrently with the introduction of metal windows, glass wall systems that do not permit natural ventilation, and new synthetic materials and products for building furnishings, finishings, flooring and cleaning. 3 With today s construction techniques and available building systems, highly energy efficient buildings can be designed, built and operated that also provide superior indoor air quality. Water Infiltration. Any opening in the building envelope may permit liquid water to penetrate the building and accumulate on mold-susceptible materials. These sources include the following: Leaky windows and door openings. Roof leaks. Missing, inadequate or poorly designed flashing. Lack of gutters. Foundation leaks. Plumbing leaks. A myriad of other causes. Surprisingly, large quantities of water can pass through very small cracks/openings if they are located at critical junctures in the drainage path of the envelope. Since such junctures typically occur at the base of window openings and where roofs intersect walls, generally tiny cracks develop exactly where they can do the most harm. This is why seemingly minor details with missing or poorly designed flashing can have such a profound impact. Regardless of the cause, entry of liquid water into any building must be prevented (see Section 4, Eliminate Sources of Moisture). Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 13 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

14 Section 1 In addition, water and moisture present in building materials or at the construction site can provide ideal conditions for mold growth once the materials are installed, such as OSB and other press-wood products, ceiling tiles and gypsum wallboard that are allowed to get wet from rain and/or other sources. 5 Water also may enter a structure through porous materials such as wood and concrete, or as a result of leakage and structural faults. Inadequate drainage around the foundation also allows considerable moisture to enter a basement. 1 Water Condensation: A Matter of Dew Points, Humidity. Mechanical HVAC systems became popular in the mid-1960s and really gained momentum in the 1970s. As the building envelope becomes tighter, the depressurization and pressurization of conditioned spaces is increased, which can lead to infiltration of moisture. At the same time, warm moisture-laden air can exfiltrate into wall and roof cavities. In addition, thicker insulation in the exterior wall cavities creates lower drying potentials for materials making up the wall structure. 3 The urea formaldehyde foam insulation used in Canadian homes until the early 1980s provides a useful example of how new construction materials can contribute to creating suitable conditions for mold growth. Extensive growth of Penicillium sp., Trichoderma harzianum and Paecilomyces variotii were frequently found in external walls of affected homes. 6 In addition to condensation and leakage problems, moisture responsible for the mold growth may have originated from water released in the wall cavity during the curing of the foam insulation. 1 In cold climates, moisture can collect in and on internal surfaces of exterior walls. When the internal surface of these walls becomes too cold, the surface relative humidity may exceed 65 percent, or condensation may occur when the temperature at the inner surface of the external wall is at or below the dew point temperature of the room air. Both instances provide a ripe environment for mold growth. Hidden mold growth also can occur at the first condensing surface, which may be the OSB or plywood on the internal surfaces of the external sheeting. Internal humidity sources in pressurized buildings, envelope vapor barriers placed on the cold side of insulation or placed on both the warm or cold side of insulation, and basements insulated on the inside all can contribute to envelope moisture problems. 1 In warm climates, air conditioning plays a key role. The accumulation of moisture on or in the building envelope is strongly influenced by indoor temperature and outdoor humidity conditions. Mold growth typically occurs on internal surfaces of external walls because the surfaces are cooled by air conditioning to below or near the dew point of the humid air infiltrating into the envelope. At the same time, if low permeable wall coverings are used, moisture is not able to escape out of the wall cavity and into the indoor environment. As a result, the backside of the wall covering and the wallboard to which the covering is attached become an ideal place for mold growth. Moisture can enter a building as a result of leakage, such as windows or around roof flashing, movement of humid air into the interior through loose construction of the building envelope, and diffusion of water vapor from the outside toward the cooler interior. 1 Water requirements for mold vary over a broad range and in the scientific and technical literature they are usually referred to in terms of the water activity (a w ) at which the fungus can grow. Harriett A. Burge, Ph.D., a recognized expert in mycology, defines water activity as the equilibrium relative humidity in the immediate vicinity of the substrate material and is expressed as a decimal. For reference animal cells require a w near 0.99 or 1.00, which is essentially saturation. 2 In other words, water activity is a measure of a building material s ability to contain water to support mold growth at its surface and not the ambi- Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 14 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

15 ent relative humidity in the room. Rooms can have hot and cold spaces and thus different relative humidity levels. The ambient relative humidity expresses an average of these various levels. This is not necessarily representative of the relative humidity at a building material s surface. 42 Some fungi can grow and reproduce at a w as low as 0.69, although optimal growth probably occurs at somewhat higher levels. Many fungi have an optimal a w of 0.80 to 0.90, which means that if the humidity at a surface reaches 80 percent, providing the substrate contains the appropriate nutrients and no inhibitors, some fungi will be able to grow and possibly reproduce. Humidity levels at the surface of the substrate must be maintained long enough for fungi to become established, usually about 48 hours. The 2, 42 more water that is available, the more fungi there are that can colonize a surface. Mold, Mildew, Fungi What s The Difference? Section 1 Fungi are naturally occurring organisms that make up approximately 25 percent of the earth s biomass and play an essential role in the processing of decaying organic matter into substances that are necessary for sustaining plant and animal life. 7 Mold and mildew are generic terms that are used to describe essentially the same fungi, with mold used to describe fungi growing on surfaces and mildew to describe fungi growing on fabrics. Unlike bacteria and algae, fungi cells are eukaryotes; that is, they have a nuclear envelope. 8 The majority of species, including those most abundant in the environment are saprobes, which obtain nutrients from nonliving organic matter. Structurally, fungi exist as single cells such as yeast, or far more commonly, as threadlike hyphae. The collective mass of interwoven hyphal filaments is referred to as mycelium. While individual hyphae are microscopic, the mycelium is often visible to the naked eye. 9 Fungal spores germinate to produce hyphae, which grow and branch within or on the substrate, typically producing a colony that eventually forms a new generation of spores. 9 Fungi also can spread if a fragment of broken hyphae is transplanted to an area with adequate moisture and nutrient source. 10 Spores contain one to many cells and differ greatly in size, shape, color and method of formation; however, they are always microscopic, ranging from fewer than 2 micrometers to more than 100 micrometers. Under adverse environment conditions, some fungi are able to form chlamydospores, which are thick-walled dormant spores that develop from transformed vegetative hyphae. 9 Fungi spores also can survive for many years in dry or hot environments, requiring only moisture and available organic matter in order to germinate. 10 Fungi are resilient and adaptable and can colonize dead and decaying matter, such as textiles, leather, wood and paper, and even damp inorganic matter, such as glass, painted surfaces, metal and bare concrete, if organic nutrients, such as dust and soil particles, are present. Some fungi can germinate in as little as 4 to 12 hours, and, if left undisturbed, fungi can grow and spread in 24 to 72 7, 10 hours. Different Types of Indoor Molds Approximately 69,000 species of fungi have been described in the scientific literature and estimates for the total number exceed 1.5 million. 9 Fungi are divided into groups based on spore shape and method of formation. Only members of three of these groups commonly grow on building materials. Zygomycetes Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 15 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

16 Section 1 Table Common Indoor Molds Fungal Species Alternaria alternata Aspergillus versicolor Asperfillus fumigatus Chaetomium sp Cladosporium herbarum Cladosporium sphaerospermum Epicoccum sp. Fusarium sp. Geotrichum sp Paecilomyces sp. Papulospora sp. Penicillium chrysogenum Penicillium expansum Scopulariopsis sp. Stachybotrys chartarum (aka Stachybotris atra, Stachybotrys alternans) Trichoderma sp. Ulocladium sp. Wallemia sp. Indoor Substrate Window sills, walls, carpets, textiles Wood, wallpaper glue House dust, potting soil Paper, materials containing cellulose, plant compost Window sills, wood, textiles, fiberglass duct liners Paint, textiles, plants, food, soil Plants, soil, textiles, paper products Soil, humidifiers Paper, soil, water Soil, dust, less frequently in air Soil, textiles, paper Wallpaper, behind paint Wallpaper Wallpapers covered with Paris green, house dust Carpet, materials containing cellulose Other fungi, materials containing cellulose, unglazed ceramics Dead plants, materials containing cellulose, textiles Textiles are relatively common in building and house dust and require relatively simple carbon sources and very wet conditions. Basidiomycetes include all mushrooms and shelf fungi, including those that degrade wood products, and a few yeasts found in buildings. By far, the largest of the groups that can colonize building materials are Ascomycetes. What is typically known as mold and mildew fall within this group. 2 The University of Minnesota Department of Environmental Health and Safety s web site features a fungal glossary on its indoor fungal resources page, included species-specific information derived from an extensive review of available scientific literature. The following discussion of Cladosporium sp, Phoma sp., Rhodotorula sp. and Stachybotris is from that glossary. 12 Cladosporium sp. is the most commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are lower in the winter and often higher in summer. It also often is found indoors but in lower levels than outdoors. Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 16 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

17 Section 1 Indoor Cladosporium sp. may be different from the species identified outdoors. A wide number of organisms have been placed in the Pencillium genera. Identification to species is difficult. It is often found in aerosol samples, soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint and compost piles. It also is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Phoma sp. is common mold found indoors. It is similar to the early stages of growth of Chaetomium sp., and produces pink and purple spots on painted walls. It also will grow on butter, cement and rubber. Rhodotorula sp. is a reddish yeast typically found in moist environments such as carpeting, cooling coils and drain pans. In some countries, Rhodotorula sp. is the most common yeast genus in indoor air. Stachybotris atra, Stachybotrys alternans and Stachybotrys chartarum are considered to be the same organism. Stachybotrys is a slow-growing fungus and does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. This dark colored fungus grows on building materials with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content and areas with a relative humidity above 55 percent. Stachybotrys is rarely found in outdoor air samples, and is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed or if there is a drop in the relative humidity. The spores are in a gelatinous mass and will die readily after release, but the dead spores can still be allergenic and toxigenic. 7, 12 The table on page 14 lists some of the common molds and locations found in indoor environments. Are Molds Really Toxic? There is no simple yes or no answer to this question. Although much as been made in news reports and in recent litigation about the health effects from exposure to mold, especially with regard to Stachybotrys chartarum, this topic is somewhat controversial as there is little scientific or medical evidence that demonstrates that some molds are indeed toxic. But at the same time there is consensus that some fungi species can produce mycotoxins, which are considered to be toxic to humans and animals. Opinions differ, however, whether exposure to these mycotoxins produces disease. Harriet A. Burge, Ph.D., a recognized expert in mycology said that such reports are anecdotal and lacking sufficient data to document a clear connection between exposure and disease. 2 Specifically, data are lacking to support threshold limit or dose-response relationship for exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have not established permissible exposure limits (PELs), recommended exposure limits (RELs) or threshold limit values (TLVs) for bioaerosols associated with mold. The medical and scientific communities also agree that fungi species can be allergenic and irritants and, in some cases, cause infections. Systemic infections caused by mold, however, are not common, although opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus sp., are common in indoor air. Those at most risk for these infections include people who have severely compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV/AIDS or those who have had organ or bone marrow 7, 13 transplants. In addition, whether or not symptoms develop depends on the nature of the species involved, the metabolic products being produced by the species, the amount and duration of exposure and the specific sus- Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 17 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

18 Section 1 ceptibility of those exposed. It also depends on whether the spores, hyphae fragments and metabolites such as VOCs are released into the air and inhaled, physically contacted (dermal exposure) or ingested. 14 Volatile Organic Compounds. In the process of degrading substrates as nutrients, fungi produce many metabolic products, primarily carbon dioxide and water. Under some circumstances, most fungi can also produce ethanol and ergosterol, which are useful compounds for determining if there is active mold growth, and a variety of volatile and non-volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compounds (also called microbial volatile organic compounds [MVOCs]) are responsible for the musty odors characteristic of mold growth. 15 Exposure to high levels of VOCs, from any source not just mold can irritate mucous membranes and cause headaches, attention deficiencies, inability to concentrate and dizziness. 7 Allergens. Allergic reactions are the most common response to molds. People who are atopic; that is, who are genetically capable of producing an allergic response, may develop symptoms when their respiratory system or skin is exposed to mold or mold byproducts to which they have become sensitized. Sensitization can occur in atopic individuals with sufficient exposure. Symptoms can range from mild to transitory responses such as watery eyes, runny nose, throat irritation, coughing and sneezing to severe, chronic illnesses such as sinusitis and asthma. An important note is that indoor fungal allergens probably affect fewer people than do allergens from cats, mites and cockroaches. A significant proportion of people with asthma (10 percent to 32 percent) are sensitive to mold. 7 Mycotoxins. A wide variety of molds can produce mycotoxins, and some of these compounds are toxic to humans and animals. 8 While some mycotoxins are associated with hyphae, the primary mode of human exposure to mycotoxins is inhalation of spores and mold-contaminated materials. Molds that are important potential producers of mycotoxins indoors include certain species of Fusariu and Penicillium, Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum. There is a great deal of information about the effects of ingesting certain mycotoxins in humans and animals, but investigators have only just begun to study health implications of inhaling these substances. 7 Among the health effects attributed to mycotoxins are mucous membrane irritations, including eye, nose and throat, from exposures at high levels. 7, 16 When mycotoxins or particles carrying mycotoxins are inhaled, they may reach the lung alveoli and induce an inflammatory reaction, creating toxic pneumonitis. Severe toxic pneumonitis can cause fever, flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Inhaling large concentrations of dust with mold spores may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition is generally an occupational hazard in agriculture, but has been reported in individuals in residences. 7, 13 Other symptoms attributed to mold mycotoxins include headache, dizziness, dermatitis, diarrhea and impaired or altered immune function. 17 Researchers do not yet fully understand the specific conditions needed for mycotoxin production, but studies are under way. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, is presently conducting research on Stachybotrys chartarum to determine the environmental conditions required for sporulation, emission, aerosolization, dissemination and transport of [Stachybotrys] into the air. 18 A complicating factor to determining these conditions is a single species of mold may produce several different mycotoxins, while different mold species may produce the same mycotoxin. 19, 20 Mycotoxin production for a given species is highly dependent on growth conditions, such as nutrient availability, temperature and humidity. Ronald E. Gots, M.D., Ph.D., states, Just because a toxigenic mold is found in an indoor environment, it does not necessarily mean that the mold is producing mycotoxins. 21 Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 18 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

19 Section 1 Mold and Sick Building Syndrome. Although not attributed exclusively to mold, sick building syndrome is ascribed to inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor and outdoor sources, and biological contaminants such as molds, bacteria, pollens and viruses. A 1998 survey on indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that microbiological pollutants, along with VOCs, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, were some of the most commonly measured air pollutants in schools. The survey cites water damage leading to mold contamination as the second most frequently reported building-related problem, with the root cause of many of the problems being inadequate and/or deferred maintenance of school buildings and HVAC systems. 22 Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Page 19 Mold: Cause, Effect and Response

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Tuula Putus, M.D. Professor in Occupational Health Care and Occupational Medicine, University of Turku, Finland The concepts sick buildings and SBS (sick building syndrome) were introduced in the 70 ies

w that Your Building Experienced Water Damage What Must You and Your Water Damage Restoration Contractor Agree On? By Completing a Building and Occupant Survey Hopefully Your Questions will be Answered

MOULD CONTROL PROGRAM PART 1: MOULD IN BUILDINGS GENERAL INFORMATION AND PREVENTION PART 2: PROCEDURE FOR MANAGING WATER INFILTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES, COMMUNICATION PLAN AND CONTROL METHODS Physical Resources

Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Air quality can be affected by many compounds and organisms Molds and other indoor air pollutants

Remediation of Fungal Growth on Wood and Wood-based Building Materials: Challenges to the Forest Products Industry by Stephen L. Quarles University of California Cooperative Extension Richmond Field Station,

Water Incursion Standard Operating Procedure Purpose: To provide a standardized procedure in the event of water incursion into any Penn State University facility. References: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture

Mold and mold spores Mold and mold spores are everywhere around us and have always been a part of our environment. The air we breath is a virtual jungle of fungal spores. We routine encounter mold spores

BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Emergency Response/Indoor Air Quality Program Use of Moisture Measuring Devices in Evaluating Water Damage in Buildings July 2007 The evaluation of mold colonization of building

MOLD REMEDIATION Kathleen Parrott, Ph.D. Professor of Housing, Virginia Tech Virginia Cooperative Extension has three publications to help you deal with mold in your home: Mold Basics: What is mold? How

ASTHMA REGIONAL COUNCIL WHAT S THAT SMELL? Simple Steps to Tackle School Air Problems ARC is a coalition of governmental and community agencies dedicated to addressing the environmental contributors to

Control Mold Through Water Activity Prevent Mold Growth on Building Materials Mold Prevention Detect Dangerous Moisture Levels in Building Materials Monitor Buildings for Leaks and Moisture Intrusion Track

Facts about Mold 12/16/2011 Introduction For over a decade, mold has remained in the news. People are talking about the effect on population health and damage to the building. But what are the risks and

Managing Water Infiltration into Buildings A Systematized Approach for Remediating Water Problems in Buildings due to Floods, Roof Leaks, Potable Water Leaks, Sewage Backup, Steam Leaks and Groundwater

IUB Water Damage Restoration Guideline Purpose The IUB Water Damage Restoration guideline was developed to ensure that all water intrusions are handled in a professional manner which includes the latest

Part 2: Drying Out Your Home Now you're ready to begin drying out your home and establishing your plan for rebuilding. The information contained in this section will help you to dry out and decontaminate

Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? This packet is meant to provide basic information to people who have experienced water damage to their home and resulting mold concerns. It describes health concerns related

Moisture in Buildings A Practical Guide to Avoiding Moisture & Mold The National Academy of Sciences recently released a report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, examining the link between dampness, health

TECHNICAL RESOURCE SHEET frequently asked questions about mold The presence of unwanted or excessive moisture in buildings can lead to structural performance problems, as well as concerns about possible

A bout your house CE 28c before you start Renovating Your Basement Moisture Problems Mold and decay on floor joists and sill plates Stuffy air, high humidity, poor air circulation Water draining in from

WATER DAMAGE INVESTIGATION Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities 1 South Station Boston, Massachusetts Prepared by: Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health Indoor

MOLD INSPECTION CHECKLIST Inside Cabinets Any place that is dark, and where moisture can accumulate, is a potential breeding ground for mold. Beneath Drywall When mold grows within wall cavities (which

CITY OF LOS ANGELES GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION OF MOLD The information contained within this manual has been compiled from the following reference sources: The Environmental Protection Agency